Members are asked to make themselves familiar with the safety procedures and attend safety clinics offered by the club.

Adhering to our safety guidelines is not an option, it is an absolute requirement to ensure the safety and welfare of all people using the river, regardless of experience level. We wish you all a satisfying and safe rowing experience.

Launching Traffic Patterns
All boats are to launch heading north, under no circumstance is launching permitted downstream. This is a violation of PRRA approved safety guidelines and traffic patterns on the river.

Rowing Traffic Patterns
No matter what time you row, assume that there are others out rowing at the same time.

Whether traveling north or south, all boats are to stay close to the shore, keeping the shore line on your starboard side.

If your port side is closer to the shore line than your starboard side, you have crossed over the center of the river and created an unsafe condition for you and other rowers on the river. You need to get back over to the correct side of the river as quickly as possible. Stop rowing if necessary.

An abundance of debris on the river is not a condition that justifies rowing on the wrong side of the river. In this situation, you have two options, either don't row or if you encounter debris while on the water, row very slow. Do not row on the incorrect side of the river to avoid debris.

If you hear a voice, that is a pretty good indication that someone is trying to get your attention. Stop rowing immediately and look around. Proceed only when its safe.

Bridges
Bridges require specific attention, particularly the ones with a single arch for both north and south traffic. In these situations (at Route 3 and Route 7 Bridges), the rowing space is narrower and visibility is somewhat limited than the rest of the river. Extra care is needed at these locations.

In tight situations, be mindful that boats traveling with the current or wind have the right-of-way since they cannot slow or stop. Also, larger boats have the right of way since they are less maneuverable than smaller boats.

Of course, you need to make sure that you are visible to other boats when you will be on the water before sun rise or after sun set. If you cannot, you should not be on the river rowing at that time!

What to do if you encounter someone not adhering to safe rowing practices or you are involved in a close encounter. We need to create a log to document these situations. Please note each situation in the rowing log, describe boats (clubs) involved and the circumstances of the encounter. This will enable us to address issues others using the river.